Friday, March 13, 2009

Sad News

Master and Legendary Horseman, Ray Hunt


My heart is greatly saddened by the news that Ray Hunt has died. I feel such a sense of loss and grief at hearing this. Ray Hunt was my hero and was the first person to teach me a better way of dealing with horses. I am honored to have known him and had the opportunity to ride with him and to learn from him. He truly was a legendary horseman and he is responsible for changing the way a huge population of the world works with horses. The horse is better off because of Ray Hunt and so are we.


I started my Ladde boy as a 3-year old in Ray's colt class. It is still one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I knew the first time I met Ray Hunt that I was in the presence of a true master horseman and that my life would be forever changed and I would be a better person and horseman for having spent time in his study. I am truly honored and I feel blessed that I had the privilege of learning from him.


This is truly a shock to me because I always thought that I'd have another opportunity to ride in one of his clinics again. Come hell or high water, if Ray came to the Pacific Northwest, I'd find a way to get there. I am so saddened that for once, I can't seem to find the right words to convey my personal feeling of loss.


God Bless you Ray Hunt and thank you so very much for everything.


Rest in Peace.


10 comments:

Sherry Sikstrom said...

It is often the measure of how strongly a person has affected your life when you are unbable to find a way to say goodbye. Your tribute was lovely and I am sure this man touched many with his knowledge. Your work with Ladde and the next horse will honour him . Hugs my friend ,sorry you are hurting.

Gail said...

You honor him well...he shall live on in you and each person and horse you touch with his ideas.

Maria said...

beautiful tribute

the7msn said...

Wouldn't it be fun to sit down and swap our colt-starting-with-Ray stories? What year did you start Ladde? I started Lyle in the fall of 2003 - Ray was still horseback then. I rode with him again in the summer of 2004 - the weather was pretty bad and he taught from the cab of his semi, hanging out the window. If we had a question, we just rode on up to the truck to talk to him - a lesson in itself because he had the diesel engine running to stay warm!

Pony Girl said...

It's amazing that so many bloggers were able to ride with Ray, share their stories, and be inspired. The inspiration can spread to others! Now I am bummed I won't get the chance to learn from this great horseman! Makes me want to get into a Buck Brannaman clinic sooner than later....

Melanie said...

Beautiful tribute!!! I was saddened when I read about his passing on several different blogs. It's amazing how he touched so many horse peoples lives.

So...your post below got me thinking that you and I "think" the same way about some things...lol!!!

I have done a lot of soul searching over the past 10 years, and have come to the conclusion (for now anyway) that people often give themselves more credit for things than is due.

I think I will stop here, or this could get really long and really controversial, and I definitely DON't want to do that...lol!!!!

Fantastyk Voyager said...

He was truly a good man. The world will miss him.

allhorsestuff said...

I am sad too for all those that have known him as you have, Lorie. And, I am very happy in the same way..he touched soo many people and effected so many horse's lives because of it. I am thankful for his life...that will live on through you and those that pass on his talents learned.

It is always difficult to loose someone like him.You have captured his essence in your words.
Kac

Grey Horse Matters said...

It's always so sad when one of the truly great old horsemen die. But it's also wonderful that they leave a legacy behind for horse people to aspire to and try to emulate them in their riding and horse care.

gtyyup said...

Isn't it amazing how one person can influence so many people? I really enjoyed reading your birthday tribute to Ladde and your experience at the clinic in Seneca with Ray...totally unforgettable!! Good job cowgirl!